Emmanuel

At least 71 vehicles from Digos to Pagadian, including 4 buses, convoyed with intervals in going to Pagadian to witness the installation of the Most Rev. Ronald I. Lunas, D.D., 5th Bishop of Pagadian.

After thanking all Archbishops, Bishops and guests present, the Most Rev. Ronald I. Lunas, D.D. in a special way thanked His Excellency, the Most Rev. Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

I am Gabriele

Bishop Lunas recalled, “I remember, his excellency said to me ‘I am Gabriele and like the archangel I have news for you.’ And ‘the holy father appoints you bishop.’ I was shocked and I could not respond to him. So he asked me on the other line after a long silence, ‘Fr. Ronald are you still alive?’ Your excellency here is now my response after four months. Like Mary’s response, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my savior, for He has looked with favor on his lowly servant. Your excellency, please relay to the Holy Father my gratitude for his trust and let me assure him and you of my fidelity to the church, the bride of Christ.”

Just call me Fr. Bong

Bishop Lunas also thanked the clergy and religious, all lay faithful present, government officials and people of other religions and faiths present. In a special way he said, “I request the Pagadian clergy, the religious and the faithful, palihug tindog aron ako makakita ninyo, salamat kaayo sa mainitong pagdawat. We did not know each other before but God knows everyone of us and God’s knowing us means loving us. For those who do not know me yet, I am Fr. Bong Lunas. Just call me Fr. Bong Lunas. I know we already began a long time ago the journey of faith following different paths. But today, God let our paths cross. Today, let me join in your journey. Let this lowly servant join you in your pilgrimage of faith to the kingdom. As we journey together let us assure ourselves we are not alone. God is with us, Emmanuel.”

God is with us

Having left the warm welcome in his first time to step on the soils of Pagadian, the new Bishop concluded: “Usa sa akong naobserbahan pagsugod sa misa extra large man ang mga gamit dinhi. Ang senser dako kaayo naglisud kog bitbit. Ang chalice habog kaayo ning tupong na hapit sa akoa. Ang microphone labina, bisan unsa nako og adjust tua ra gihapon ibabaw sa akong ulo. Para gyud to kay Bishop Manny. Dili ko makapasalig nga masuot nako ang sapatos ni Bishop Manny kay dako kaayo. Maningkamot lang jud kog unsay naa sa akoa aron ikatampo sa inyong panaw sa pagtoo sa atong pakig-uban.” Sa kataposan, God is with us.